De Bruin courts success

Controversial Olympic swimmer Michelle de Bruin enjoyed success again yesterday.

As a defence barrister for two young Limerick men, she persuaded a court to lift a jail sentence on appeal at Limerick Circuit Court.

Jonathan O’Donoghue, 20, and a cousin, 17, were given jail sentences at Newcastle West district court arising out of a violent assault in Rathkeale when a screwdriver was used on their victim.

Ms de Bruin said the defendants worked for the family business laying tarmacadam around Europe. Due to the court case, they had to surrender their passports and could not leave the country for seven months to work. During that time they were unable to draw social welfare.

Judge Carroll Moran suspended the jail sentences and bound both to the peace.